Chifley

An assessment of population growth drivers in Chifley reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Chifley's population is around 2,707 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 27 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,680 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,698 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,702 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 85.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 144 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 35 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Chifley according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Chifley has seen around 14 new homes approved annually, with 71 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, though recent data shows this has intensified to 4.5 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being built at an average value of $272,000.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chifley has significantly less development activity (67.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New building activity shows 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. With around 365 people per dwelling approval, Chifley shows a developed market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Chifley should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Chifley has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades, Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip), and Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Chifley has been broadly consistent with national averages

Chifley possesses a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.7%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,544 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (70.2% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. On the other hand, education & training is under-represented, with only 7.3% of Chifley's workforce compared to 9.6% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Chifley. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Chifley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Chifley SA2's income level is among the highest in Australia according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Chifley SA2's median income among taxpayers is $68,180 and the average income stands at $82,735, which compares to figures for the Australian Capital Territory's of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $74,493 (median) and $90,396 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Chifley, between the 85th and 90th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.8% of residents (833 people), mirroring the region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. The substantial proportion of high earners (38.1% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 86th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Chifley displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Chifley, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 67.7% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Chifley was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 32.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.2%) or rented (32.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,383, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Chifley's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chifley features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 64.2% of all households, comprising 28.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Chifley exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Chifley significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 52.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.5%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational pathways account for 22.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (12.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 7.9% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Chifley, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 750 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 223 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 8% by bus and 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A relatively low 12.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 107 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

Chifley's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Chifley, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and closer to the national average across older, at-risk cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,645 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.6% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 70.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.7% of residents aged 65 and over (424 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Chifley was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Chifley is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 30.9% of its population born overseas and 26.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Chifley is Christianity, which makes up 40.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 8.1% of the population, compared to 4.8% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Chifley are English, comprising 23.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.8% of the population, and Other, comprising 14.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Spanish is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Chifley (vs 0.5% regionally), Serbian at 0.7% (vs 0.4%) and Croatian at 0.9% (vs 0.9%).

Chifley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chifley's median age of 37 years is slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory's 35, though essentially aligned with the 38-year national average. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 11.1% compared to the Australian Capital Territory, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 11.4%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.2% to 17.1% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Chifley. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 29 people (14%) from 203 to 233. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.